The prevalence of discrimination across racial groups in contemporary America: Results from a nationally representative sample of adults.

Brian B Boutwell,Joseph L Nedelec,Bo Winegard,John P Wright,Todd Shackelford,Michael Vaughn,J C Barnes,Kevin M Beaver,Ian D Stephen

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0183356

Brian B Boutwell, Joseph L Nedelec + Show 7 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183356

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Abstract

A large body of social science research is devoted to understanding the causes and correlates of discrimination. Comparatively less effort has been aimed at providing a general prevalence estimate of discrimination using a nationally representative sample. The current study is intended to offer such an estimate using a large sample of American respondents (N = 14,793) while also exploring perceptions regarding why respondents felt they were discriminated against. The results provide a broad estimate of self-reported discrimination experiences—an event that was only reported by about one-quarter of all sample members—across racial and ethnic categories.

Highlights

Personal experiences of discrimination and bias have been the focus of much social science research. [1,2,3] Sociologists have explored the adverse consequences of discrimination [3,4,5]; psychologists have examined the mental processes that underpin conscious and unconscious biases [6]; neuroscientists have examined the neurobiological underpinnings of discrimination [7,8,9]; and evolutionary theorists have explored the various ways that in-group/out-group biases emerged across the history of our species
The co-author responsible for data analysis, Dr Joe Nedelec has the appropriate licensure for accessing the full data
Using a representative sample of American respondents who reflect a variety of racial and ethnic groups, the current study examined perceived experiences of discrimination

Summary

Introduction

Personal experiences of discrimination and bias have been the focus of much social science research. [1,2,3] Sociologists have explored the adverse consequences of discrimination [3,4,5]; psychologists have examined the mental processes that underpin conscious and unconscious biases [6]; neuroscientists have examined the neurobiological underpinnings of discrimination [7,8,9]; and evolutionary theorists have explored the various ways that in-group/out-group biases emerged across the history of our species. [10] In many respects, researchers already possess a wealth of knowledge concerning the origins and consequences of discrimination and bias. [11]What should not be lost in discussion of discrimination is the growing push to implement social policy aimed at reducing the occurrence of discriminatory practices. Personal experiences of discrimination and bias have been the focus of much social science research. [10] In many respects, researchers already possess a wealth of knowledge concerning the origins and consequences of discrimination and bias. What should not be lost in discussion of discrimination is the growing push to implement social policy aimed at reducing the occurrence of discriminatory practices. Public versions (which represent a subset of the larger, restricted dataset) of the data are available both via the Add Health website (see above) and via ICPSR (http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ ICPSR/studies/21600?archive=ICPSR&q=21600). The restricted versions of the data (which include full samples of siblings, biomarkers, etc.) can be obtained by contacting the custodians of the data and by submitting the appropriate forms (found here: http://www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/addhealth/ contracts/new-add-health-restricted-use-datacontract). The co-author responsible for data analysis, Dr Joe Nedelec has the appropriate licensure for accessing the full data

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